Yo-yo

ABSTRACT

A yo-yo that provides enhanced performance, expeditiously responds to retrieval movement, and is otherwise responsive upon the string, yet still provides prolonged rotational inertia for the overall facilitation of complex tricks, maneuvers, and general yo-yo play.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The inventor hereof claims priority to, and the benefit of, U. S.Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/440,651 filed Jan. 16,2003.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to yo-yos, and morespecifically to a yo-yo that includes a miniature ball bearing disposedover a fixed axle between two yo-yo halves, in combination with anannular elastomeric o-ring positioned radially concentrically about saidaxle; thus, providing enhanced yo-yo performance, retrieval and stringresponsiveness.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Historically, yo-yos were primarily a recreational toy. However,with increased attention, yo-yo play has become a competitive event formany, and has gained an appreciation that has fueled the engineering ofthe perfect yo-yo for complex and innovative yo-yo tricks and movements.

[0004] In the modern era, yo-yos initially were constructed from wood,and possessed a fixed wooden axle to which a yo-yo string was attached.In play, the wooden axle would rotate within the string loop. Such aconfiguration, however, often led to undesirable friction between thefixed wooden axle and the string. Additionally, in many such earlyyo-yos, fixed yo-yo body halves were closely disposed to each other,leaving little string gap therebetween. Such yo-yos forms served only toincrease the frictional contact between the yo-yo and the string.Although response time and yo-yo retrieval were extremely quick, thefrictional contact between the yo-yo and the string precluded theperformance of even simple, sleep-mode based tricks.

[0005] The advent of the trans-axle yo-yo provided the benefit ofincreasing sleep-mode performance. In the trans-axle yo-yo, a sleeveformed from nylon, plastic, or other low-frictional material, surroundedthe fixed axle. The yo-yo string was then attached to the trans-axle,rather than the fixed axle. Such a configuration permitted more complexsleep-mode play and tricks, as the string, during rotation of the yo-yo,was fixed to the trans-axle sleeve, which, in turn, rode over the axle.While string wear at the axle was accordingly reduced, and sleep-modeperformance was increased, such yo-yos suffered from a lack ofresponsiveness during the retrieval maneuver to return the yo-yo to thehand. The same conditions precluded or reduced the consistency ofmaneuvers requiring the yo-yo to return toward the hand, but,thereafter, bypass the hand in an underpass or overpass maneuver.

[0006] Thereafter, axle-surrounding, high precision, low frictionmetallic or ceramic ball bearing mechanisms were also introduced formore complex play and tricks. Although both the trans-axle and ballbearing mechanisms increased sleep-mode abilities, retrieval maneuverresponse of the yo-yo back toward the player's hand continued to begreatly diminished, thus hindering complex string tricks.

[0007] The trend also arose to increase the gap between yo-yo halves, inorder to further reduce string friction and provide for enhancedsleep-mode performance. Increased gap, however, also served to furtherreduce retrieval maneuver responsiveness. Accordingly, manufacturerscame to provide adjustability of the gap between the yo-yo body halvesfor modifying the overall frictional contact with the string. Examplesof such adjustable gap yo-yos may be seen with reference to U. S. Pat.No. 6,206,749 B1 issued Mar. 27, 2001 to Bell, the inventor hereof.

[0008] In order to compensate for the trend toward increased sleep-modeplay, but reduced retrieval responsiveness, some manufacturers beganincorporating trans-axle or ball bearing mechanisms with mechanicalclutch mechanisms. Such mechanisms were heavy, complex, more expensive,and more difficult to maintain. Such clutch-based systems were notcompetition-friendly for the advanced player.

[0009] Similar attempts to compensate for the trend toward increasedsleep-mode play, but reduced retrieval responsiveness, providedfrictional retrieval mechanisms concentrically disposed about the axle,and formed on the inner faces of the yo-yo body halves, wherein suchfrictional retrieval mechanisms were generally raised, ridge-likeprotrusions, often arranged in a starburst or similar pattern. Althoughsuch frictional retrieval mechanisms assisted in yo-yo response andstring retrieval, they tended to promote an overly frictional conditionthat essentially negated the benefits derived from the trans-axle orball bearing mechanisms. Additionally, premature breakage of the yo-yostring due to frictional rubbing was also a common downfall.Alternatively, when the frictional retrieval mechanisms wereunder-pronounced, the desired response time and overall performance wasnot at all achieved.

[0010] Still other manufacturers provided a frictional sticker that wasto be adhered to the inner surfaces of the yo-yo, wherein the frictionalsticker was to provide an enhanced frictional or tacky surface forinteraction with the yo-yo string. Such frictional stickers, however,initially provided for overly-responsive yo-yo play, while tending tolose surface tackiness with extended play. Such systems require theplayer to burdensomely, and at additional expense, replace the wornsticker or suffer reduced playability. Accordingly, the consistency ofplay of such systems remains variable and unpredictable, adisadvantageous circumstance for advanced, competitive play.

[0011] Accordingly, in view of this development of the competitive yo-yoand its play, yo-yo players have sought a yo-yo having enhancedplayability characteristics. Such characteristics include the balancingof enhanced, low-friction, sleep-mode performance with increased,consistent, and predictable responsiveness during retrieval to the hand,or during underpass or overpass-type maneuvers.

[0012] It is, therefore, readily apparent that there is a need for ayo-yo that provides enhanced, consistent yo-yo performance, retrievaland string responsiveness for facilitating complex tricks, maneuvers,and overall yo-yo play. It is to the provision of such an enhanced yo-yothat the present invention is directed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Briefly described, in its several preferred embodiments, thepresent invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meetsthe recognized need for such a device by providing a yo-yo that providesenhanced performance, and that expeditiously responds to retrievalmovement and string responsiveness, yet still provides prolongedrotational inertia for the overall facilitation of complex tricks,maneuvers, and general yo-yo play.

[0014] According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the presentinvention in its preferred form is a yo-yo having yo-yo body halves, anaxle, a miniature high-precision ball or ceramic bearing, and an annularelastomeric o-ring disposed radially concentrically about said axle.

[0015] More specifically, the present invention is a yo-yo including apair of yo-yo body halves, each formed preferably as a composite havingan inner hub, a central dish-shaped main body portion defining an inwardfacing surface, and an annular-shaped peripheral body portion. An axleis threadably engaged at each end thereof into a hub thread formed intoeach hub along an axis of rotation of the yo-yo. Each hub also includesa shoulder positioned radially adjacent the hub thread which, when theaxle is fully tightened in frictional engagement into each hub thread bytightening rotation between the body halves, bear against one another todefine a minimum gap between the inward facing surfaces of the bodyhalves. A miniature bearing is also provided having an inner ringtightly frictionally engaged over each shoulder, each end of the bearingextending into an annular recess formed into each inward facing surfaceadjacent to the hub to maintain a tether, or string, in wrappedengagement around an outer ring of the bearing. The outer ring is freelyrotatable with respect to the body halves and the axle, the axlerotating with the body halves when the yo-yo is spinning. Preferably, agroove formed on the inward facing surface of a first yo-yo body half,and positioned radially adjacent to, and concentrically about, thebearing, functions to receive and retain a removable, annularelastomeric o-ring. The annular elastomeric o-ring preferablyfrictionally associates with the yo-yo string to provide enhanced yo-yoperformance, retrieval and string receiving. Additionally, optionallyformed on the second yo-yo body half, may be a plurality of ridgesextending radially from the center of the hub area in a starburst-likeformation, wherein the plurality of ridges provide additional frictionalassociation with the yo-yo string for improved performance. The axle,when the body halves are forcibly rotated in an axle disengagingdirection one to another, causes a corresponding increase in the widthof the gap.

[0016] An alternate embodiment of the present invention provides formodification of the form, profile, and material of the elastomerico-ring to allow customization of the performance characteristics of theyo-yo.

[0017] A further alternate embodiment of the present invention providesfor a plurality of elastomeric o-rings to enhance yo-yo retrieval andresponsiveness, as for example, during looping-type maneuvers.

[0018] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to providean improved yo-yo with an annular elastomeric o-ring for frictionalassociation with the yo-yo string for enhanced yo-yo performance,retrieval and string responsiveness.

[0019] It is another object of the present invention to provide animproved yo-yo with a removable annular elastomeric o-ring forreplacement with a user-selected elastomeric ring of varying material,form, or profile for permitting tuning of the responsiveness of theyo-yo, as by allowing substitution of elastomeric o-rings for beneficialimplementation, to accommodate a variety of yo-yo movements and tricks.

[0020] It is another object of the present invention to provide animproved yo-yo that accommodates known frictional retrieval mechanismswith a removable annular elastomeric o-ring, such as, a plurality ofridges extending radially from the center of the hub area in astarburst-like formation, wherein the plurality of ridges, inconjunction with the elastomeric o-ring, provide further frictionalassociation with the yo-yo string for alternate degrees of enhancedperformance characteristics.

[0021] It is another object of the present invention to provide animproved yo-yo with the ability to accommodate more than one removableannular elastomeric o-ring for increased frictional association with theyo-yo string; thereby, permitting more complex yo-yo movements, tricksand performances, and to enhance yo-yo retrieval and responsiveness, asfor example, during looping-type maneuvers.

[0022] It is another object of the present invention to provide animproved yo-yo with a miniature ball or ceramic bearing in combinationwith a removable annular elastomeric o-ring positioned radiallyconcentrically thereabout; thus, providing enhanced yo-yo performance,retrieval and string responsiveness.

[0023] It is still another object of the present invention to provide animproved yo-yo utilizing a miniature ball or ceramic bearing incombination with a removable annular elastomeric o-ring positionedradially concentrically thereabout in association with a unique hubstructure to provide adjustability of the string gap and frictionalstring characteristics between the yo-yo halves for enhancedfunctionality of the yo-yo.

[0024] It is still another object of the present invention to provide animproved yo-yo having an elastomeric o-ring string retrieval systemproviding extended, consistent play without significant degradation tothe o-ring retrieval system, which, thereby, reduces or eliminates therequirement for a user to periodically replace the o-ring.

[0025] It is another and further object of the present invention toprovide an improved yo-yo having an elastomeric o-ring string retrievalsystem providing extended, consistent play without significantdegradation to the o-ring retrieval system, which, thereby, may also actto reduce excess frictional string wear of the type ordinarilyattributed to the retrieval system.

[0026] These and other objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from thefollowing description and claims when read in light of the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The present invention will be better understood by reading theDetailed Description of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments withreference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like referencenumerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout,and in which:

[0028]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a yo-yo according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view of a yo-yo according tothe preferred embodiment of FIG. 1 of the present invention;

[0030]FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the hub area of ayo-yo according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention,showing one of the yo-yo halves in phantom for clarity;

[0031]FIG. 3 is front view of one of the yo-yo halves of a yo-yoaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0032]FIG. 4 is front view of one of the yo-yo halves of a yo-yoaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0033]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a yo-yo according to analternate embodiment of the present invention; and,

[0034]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a yo-yo according to analternate embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0035] In describing the preferred and alternate embodiments of thepresent invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, specific terminology isemployed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is notintended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and itis to be understood that each specific element includes all technicalequivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similarfunctions.

[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, the present invention, in a preferredembodiment, is yo-yo 10 having, in general, yo-yo halves 12 each ofwhich are formed of a central dish-shaped main body 14, preferably ofmolded plastic material. Threaded brass hub inserts 28 are integrallymolded with an enlarged molded plastic hub portion 24 so that the femalethreads 46 of each hub insert 28 are axially aligned along the axis ofrotation C of yo-yo 10.

[0037] An elongated threaded axle 30 is threadably engaged into each ofthe brass hub inserts 28 so that, when fully threadably engaged as shownin FIG. 1, the distal ends of the axle 30 preferably do not bottom outagainst the end or bottom of cavity 26 within each hub portion 24.

[0038] As best seen in FIG. 2, the unique overall hub structure of thepresent invention is shown therein. Shoulder 38 is formed immediatelyradially adjacent hub insert 28. Shoulder 38 of each main body portion14 extends longitudinally to the axis C beyond an inward facing surface34 of each of the yo-yo main body portions 14. Thus, when threaded axle30 is fully engaged as shown in FIG. 1, shoulders 38 abut one anotherabout a central plane A transverse to the rotational axis C of yo-yo 10.By this arrangement of the abutting shoulders 38, a minimum gap 36 ofapproximately 0.07″ as shown in FIG. 1 between the inward facingsurfaces 34 is established.

[0039] A miniature, precision ball or ceramic bearing 32 is alsoprovided. The inner ring of bearing 32 preferably is forcibly urged ontothe cylindrical surface 40 that defines shoulder 38. As best seen inFIG. 2, this cylindrical surface 40 extends inwardly with respect toeach inward facing surface 34 so that, when bearing 32 is fully engagedagainst lip 48, each end of bearing 32 is substantially concealed sothat the yo-yo string or tether wrapped around the outer ring of thebearing 32 cannot slip or be worked off of the outer surface of bearing32.

[0040] The outer ring of the bearing 32 rotates freely due to theclearance provided at surface 42. A small annular notch 44 is alsoformed radially adjacent bearing clearance surface 42 which appears toprovide the operational yo-yo function of interrupting the “sleep” modeof yo-yo operation, so as to allow for yo-yo retrieval and stringrewinding. Inward facing surface 34, as best seen in FIG. 1, issubstantially flat or lying in the same plane as plane A. However, uponmoving radially outwardly from the center of the hub area, inward facingsurface 34 preferably tapers off into a substantially arcuate formation.

[0041] Preferably, annular groove 47 is also formed radially adjacent,and concentrically about, annular notch 44 on preferably one yo-yo half12, wherein annular groove 47 is preferably adapted to receive anannular-shaped, removable elastomeric o-ring 49 therein. Preferably,elastomeric o-ring 49 is retained and seated within groove 47 such thatelastomeric o-ring 49 protrudes micro-fractionally therefrom, in theorder of approximately 0.005″; thus, supplying sufficient frictionalcontact with the string of yo-yo 10 for enhanced performance, response,and string rewinding thereof.

[0042] As elastomeric o-ring 49 is preferably removable, it iscontemplated that elastomeric o-ring 49 could be replaced with othersuitable elastomeric o-rings having different overall thickness and/orsurface contour; thus, altering the amount and/or texturedcharacteristic of elastomeric o-ring 49 that protrudes from groove 47for varied yo-yo 10 performance. Such compatible elastomeric o-rings mayinclude, but are not limited to, flat o-rings, ridged o-rings, texturedo-rings, and/or o-rings formed from various elastomeric materials havingdifferent or differing coefficients of friction.

[0043] Similarly, while the known, preferred form of o-ring utilizedwithin the present invention is of elastomeric material, it is certainlywithin the contemplation of the present invention that other,non-elastomeric o-ring materials could be substituted for theelastomeric forms, without changing the purpose or essential nature ofthe present invention. Such exemplary materials might comprise, withoutlimitation, polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene(ABS), styrenic, carbonaceous or carbonized, fiberglass, or bakelitematerials, or composites.

[0044] As seen in FIG. 2, the width of gap 36 a may be varied by simplydisengaging the two yo-yo halves 12 from one another in very smallincrements by counterclockwise rotation one to another. As this occurs,the threads of one of the hub inserts 28 will disengage partially fromthe threaded hub axle 30, as demonstrated by the phantom outline of oneof the two partially engaged yo-yo halves 12. This may increase gap 36 asubstantially to alter the fashion in which the tether or yo-yo stringis wound about the outer ring of bearing 32. However, as shown inphantom in FIG. 2, gap 36 a is somewhat larger than desired and willlikely result in the tether or yo-yo string slipping off of one end ofthe bearing 32, because the spacing 50 between one end of the outer ringof bearing 32 and the annular notch 48 is too great. Accordingly, itwill be recognized that during play, gap 36 a would be decreasedslightly, so as to eliminate the possibility of the string slipping frombearing 32.

[0045] To insure that yo-yo halves 12 do not rotate one to another whenfully or partially engaged and interconnected by the threaded hub shaft30, conventional tightening and locking means between the male andfemale threads of the hub shaft 30 and hub insert 28, respectively areprovided by making the threaded hub shaft 30 sufficiently long so thatthe distal threads thereof screw into the unthreaded plastic halvesthemselves at 52.

[0046] Preferably, to substantially increase the rotational inertia of ayo-yo about its rotational axis, weight rings and/or other knownelements that increase spin time and gyroscopic stability are typicallyutilized. As such, to substantially increase the rotational inertia ofyo-yo 10 about rotational axis C, weight rings 16 are preferablydisposed in each dish-shaped main body 14 of the two yo-yo halves 12. Asmore fully detailed below, however, in an alternate embodiment, weightrings 16 may be peripherally displaced, which will affect the rotationalinertia of yo-yo 10 for the performance of certain types of tricks andmaneuvers that benefit from this alternate feature.

[0047] Preferably, a decorative indicia-bearing disc 20, or pog, is alsoprovided which conceals hub portion 24 and provides for a generally flatappearing surface of the outer side surfaces 54 of yo-yo 10. Suchdecorative discs 20 are frictionally forcibly engaged into position, asshown in FIG. 1.

[0048] Referring more specifically now to FIGS. 3-4, inward facingsurfaces 34 of yo-yo body halves 12 are more fully detailed. As depictedin FIG. 3, elastomeric o-ring 49 is shown seated within annular groove47. With reference to FIG. 4, as is known within the art, frictionalretrieval mechanisms formed on the inner surfaces of yo-yos aretypically utilized to increase frictional association with the string ofthe yo-yo for purposes of enhanced yo-yo performance, response, andstring responsiveness. As such, a plurality of ridges 60 concentricallydisposed, and extending radially from, annular notch 44, are formed onthe yo-yo half 12 that does not possess annular groove 47 andelastomeric ring 49. Ridges 60 are preferably in a starburst formation,although other known configurations may be utilized, wherein ridges 60,in conjunction with the elastomeric o-ring 49, provide furtherfrictional association with the yo-yo string for improved performanceand responsiveness. It is to be understood that ridges 60, or any otherknown structurally and functionally similar frictional retrievalmechanism, is purely optional, and may be utilized in association withor without elastomeric o-ring 49 for effectuating desired yo-yo 10performance characteristics.

[0049] Referring now more specifically to FIG. 5, illustrated therein isan alternate embodiment of yo-yo 10, wherein the alternate embodiment ofFIG. 5 is substantially equivalent in form and function to that of thepreferred embodiment detailed and illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 except ashereinafter specifically referenced. Specifically, the embodiment ofFIG. 5 replaces weight rings 16 with peripherally disposed weight rings116, each integrally formed with yo-yo body halves 12, as may be seenwith reference to U. S. Pat. No. 6,206,749 B1 issued Mar. 27, 2001 toBell, the inventor hereof.

[0050] Referring now more specifically to FIG. 6, illustrated therein isan alternate embodiment of yo-yo 10, wherein the alternate embodiment ofFIG. 6 is substantially equivalent in form and function to that of thepreferred embodiment detailed and illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 except ashereinafter specifically referenced. Specifically, the embodiment ofFIG. 6 replaces ridges 60 with annular groove 147 and elastomeric o-ring149, such that the present alternate embodiment incorporates twoelastomeric o-rings, one in each yo-yo half, for increased frictionalassociation with the string of yo-yo 10; thus, permitting theperformance of more complex and varied yo-yo movements, tricks andperformances that require increased frictional conditions. Suchconditions are often preferable during the performance, for example, ofadvanced looping maneuvers. The present alternate embodiment alsoreplaces weight rings 16 with peripherally disposed weight rings 116,each integrally formed with yo-yo body halves 12, as is known within theart.

[0051] Similarly, it is contemplated that a plurality of concentricallydisposed o-rings of increasing diameter may be provided within one orboth yo-yo halves to further effectuate the response characteristics ofthe yo-yo as described hereinabove.

[0052] It will be recognized and appreciated by those ordinarily skilledin the art that the elastomeric o-ring string retrieval system of theyo-yo of the present invention provides extended play withoutsignificant degradation to the o-ring retrieval system, which, thereby,reduces or eliminates the requirement for a user to periodically replacethe o-ring beyond that required by a player in view of other playabilityconsiderations (e.g., the tuning of playability characteristics providedby the specific o-ring form, structure, or material). This, in turn,translates to more consistent and predictable long-term yo-yo playcharacteristics, without excessive and unduly costly maintenancerequirements.

[0053] Additionally, the elastomeric o-ring string retrieval system ofthe yo-yo of the present invention provides extended play withoutsignificant degradation to the o-ring retrieval system, which, thereby,may also act to reduce excess frictional string wear of the typeordinarily attributed to the retrieval system. This, in turn, translatesto more consistent and predictable long-term yo-yo play characteristics,without the need to excessively replace the yo-yo string beyond thatrequired by a player in view of other playability considerations (e.g.,the soiling of a string over time, the loss in stiffness of a stringover time, the loss in twist characteristic of a string over time, orthe like).

[0054] Finally, it will be recognized that with some bearings, andespecially with metallic bearings, a light degree of lubrication must beapplied to control rust and to reduce excessive friction within thebearing itself. With prior art yo-yo string retrieval systems, playersoften found it necessary to further alter lubrication characteristicswithin the bearing, such as by more frequently lubricating the bearingand/or altering the bearing lubricant type and properties beyond thatrecommended by the bearing manufacturer. Players undertook suchlubrication modifications and schedules to aid in developing anacceptable balance between the resulting bearing friction as compared tothe resulting spin characteristic; thereby affecting, or tuning, therate and consistency of retrieval of the yo-yo toward the hand resultingfrom the alteration of bearing lubricity characteristics. Suchlubrication schedules, while initially effective, further contributed tolack of long term, consistent play, for the reason that conditions ofoverlubrication contributed to reduced spin times and undesirablebuild-up of lubricant or lubricant contaminants within the bearing, insome cases requiring frequent solvent cleaning of the bearing to remedythe condition and restore basic playability. In worst case scenarios, aplayer might unknowingly choose an incompatible lubricant that would actto degrade the base material of the yo-yo itself, or its othercomponents, irreparably damaging the yo-yo or its components.Advantageously, with the elastomeric o-ring string retrieval system ofthe yo-yo of the present invention, the requirement upon the player tomodify bearing lubrication characteristics, including application andcleaning schedules, beyond that required by the bearing manufacturer,may be reduced or eliminated due to the consistency of play provided bythe o-ring response system. Accordingly, the response system of thepresent invention provides extended, consistent play without significantalteration to the manufacturer's recommended bearing lubricationcharacteristics, which, in turn, increases overall spin times and avoidsexcessive bearing maintenance requirements attendant to the use of someprior art yo-yos.

[0055] It should be recognized that the invention disclosed hereinabovemay be utilized in association with yo-yos designed for tethered yo-yoplay (i.e., wherein the string is affixed to the yo-yo), for freehandplay (i.e., wherein the string is affixed to the yo-yo but disjoinedfrom the hand), or for offstring play (i.e., wherein the string isdisjoined from both the yo-yo and the hand) all without affecting thescope or characteristic of the invention hereindescribed.

[0056] Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that thewithin disclosures are exemplary only, and that various otheralternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within thescope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention isnot limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but islimited only by the following claims.

1. A yo-yo, comprising: a first yo-yo body half; a second yo-yo bodyhalf; said first and second body halves joined by an axle; a bearingadapted to rotate concentrically about said axle; an o-ring for at leastmomentarily disrupting the rotational inertia of said yo-yo when saidyo-yo is in a spinning state; and, an annular groove comprisinguninterrupted inside and outside diameters formed on an inward facingsurface of said first yo-yo body half, said annular groove adapted toreceive said o-ring therein and to position a portion of said o-ringabove said inward facing surface.
 2. The yo-yo of claim 1 wherein saido-ring further comprises elastomeric material.
 3. The yo-yo of claim 1wherein said o-ring further comprises non-elastomeric material.
 4. Theyo-yo of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of o-rings of increasingdiameter, for cooperating engagement within a plurality ofconcentrically disposed annular grooves of increasing diameter formed onsaid inward facing surface of said first yo-yo body half, each saidannular groove adapted to receive one of said plurality of o-ringstherein, wherein one or more of said plurality of o-rings acts to atleast momentarily disrupt the rotational inertia of said yo-yo when saidyo-yo is in a spinning state.
 5. The yo-yo of claim 1 further comprisinga second o-ring and an annular groove formed on an inward facing surfaceof said second yo-yo body half, said annular groove adapted to receivesaid second o-ring therein, wherein said second o-ring acts individuallyor in conjunction with said o-ring to at least momentarily disrupt therotational inertia of said yo-yo when said yo-yo is in a spinning state.6. The yo-yo of claim 5 further comprising in association with eachyo-yo body half a plurality of o-rings of increasing diameter, forcooperating engagement within a plurality of concentrically disposedannular grooves of increasing diameter formed on said inward facingsurface of each yo-yo body half, each said annular groove adapted toreceive one of said plurality of o-rings therein, wherein one or more ofsaid plurality of o-rings acts to at least momentarily disrupt therotational inertia of said yo-yo when said yo-yo is in a spinning state.7. (cancel)
 8. (previously canceled; represented) The yo-yo of claim 1further comprising an adjustable gap between said body halves.
 9. Ayo-yo, comprising: a first yo-yo body half; a second yo-yo body half;said first and second body halves joined by an axle; an adjustable gapbetween said body halves; a bearing adapted to rotate about said axle;an o-ring for at least momentarily disrupting the rotational inertia ofsaid yo-yo when said yo-yo is in a spinning state; and, an annulargroove comprising uninterrupted inside and outside diameters formed onan inward facing surface of said first yo-yo body half, said annulargroove adapted to receive said o-ring therein and to position a portionof said o-ring above said inward facing surface.
 10. The yo-yo of claim9 wherein said o-ring further comprises elastomeric material.
 11. Theyo-yo of claim 9 wherein said o-ring further comprises non-elastomericmaterial.
 12. The yo-yo of claim 9 further comprising a plurality ofo-rings of increasing diameter, for cooperating engagement within aplurality of concentrically disposed annular grooves of increasingdiameter formed on said inward facing surface of said first yo-yo bodyhalf, each said annular groove adapted to receive one of said pluralityof o-rings therein, wherein one or more of said plurality of o-ringsacts to at least momentarily disrupt the rotational inertia of saidyo-yo when said yo-yo is in a spinning state.
 13. The yo-yo of claim 9further comprising a second o-ring and an annular groove formed on aninward facing surface of said second yo-yo body half, said annulargroove adapted to receive said second o-ring therein, wherein saidsecond o-ring acts individually or in conjunction with said o-ring to atleast momentarily disrupt the rotational inertia of said yo-yo when saidyo-yo is in a spinning state.
 14. The yo-yo of claim 13 furthercomprising in association with each yo-yo body half a plurality ofo-rings of increasing diameter, for cooperating engagement within aplurality of concentrically disposed annular grooves of increasingdiameter formed on said inward facing surface of each yo-yo body half,each said annular groove adapted to receive one of said plurality ofo-rings therein, wherein one or more of said plurality of o-rings actsto at least momentarily disrupt the rotational inertia of said yo-yowhen said yo-yo is in a spinning state.
 15. (previously canceled)
 16. Ayo-yo comprising a first yo-yo body half; a second yo-yo body half; saidfirst and second body halves joined by an axle; a bearing adapted torotate concentrically about said axle; said body halves and axle adaptedto form, in combination, an adjustable gap between said body halves; ano-ring for at least momentarily disrupting the rotational inertia ofsaid yo-yo when said yo-yo is in a spinning state; and, an annulargroove formed on an inward facing surface of said first yo-yo body half,said annular groove adapted to receive said o-ring therein.
 17. Theyo-yo of claim 16 wherein said o-ring further comprises elastomericmaterial.
 18. The yo-yo of claim 16 wherein said o-ring furthercomprises non-elastomeric material.
 19. The yo-yo of claim 16 furthercomprising a plurality of o-rings of increasing diameter, forcooperating engagement within a plurality of concentrically disposedannular grooves of increasing diameter formed on said inward facingsurface of said first yo-yo body half, each said annular groove adaptedto receive one of said plurality of o-rings therein, wherein one or moreof said plurality of o-rings acts to at least momentarily disrupt therotational inertia of said yo-yo when said yo-yo is in a spinning state.20. The yo-yo of claim 16 further comprising a second o-ring and anannular groove formed on an inward facing surface of said second yo-yobody half, said annular groove adapted to receive said second o-ringtherein, wherein said second o-ring acts individually or in conjunctionwith said o-ring to at least momentarily disrupt the rotational inertiaof said yo-yo when said yo-yo is in a spinning state.
 21. The yo-yo ofclaim 20 further comprising in association with each yo-yo body half aplurality of o-rings of increasing diameter, for cooperating engagementwithin a plurality of concentrically disposed annular grooves ofincreasing diameter formed on said inward facing surface of each yo-yobody half, each said annular groove adapted to receive one of saidplurality of o-rings therein, wherein one or more of said plurality ofo-rings acts to at least momentarily disrupt the rotational inertia ofsaid yo-yo when said yo-yo is in a spinning state.